Theatre Calgary‘s Board of Directors are pleased to announce Colleen Smith as the new Executive Director of Theatre Calgary. Ms. Smith is currently the Director of Operations at The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, a position she has held for the past six years.

Colleen Smith

Mark Thompson, Chairman of the Board, is thrilled with the decision. “We couldn’t be more excited to have Colleen join us. We did an extensive search across the country and we have found the most vibrant, daring and unflappable person for this critical role. Her experience is perfect for where our theatre company is going as we continue to leap forward and grow. Along with Dennis Garnhum, Colleen will enable us to do that.”

“Theatre Calgary is one of the largest and most successful theatres in the entire country and I am both honoured and delighted to accept the role of Executive Director at this juncture,” says Smith. “Attending the opening night of A Christmas Carol, I felt firsthand the intense pride and passion Calgarians feel for this company and its work, and am confident that support for Theatre Calgary and its ever expanding and inspiring vision will only grow stronger. As we approach TC’s 50th anniversary, I look forward to working with the formidable Dennis Garnhum, the Board, and the community of artists, audiences, supporters, staff and crew, to make possible what we all imagine this wonderful company can be.”

“Colleen brings with her a wealth of experience managing and leading arts organizations. She also brings a delightful, spirited passion for the Arts which infuses her leadership and decision making,” says Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum. “Our future planning and direction over the next five to ten years is a priority, and there are so many dreams and goals we want the theatre to achieve. Our Board have made a great choice.”

Prior to her current role with Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, Ms. Smith was the Managing Director with Factory Theatre (Toronto), Director of Finance and Education at Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir, and the Program Manager for Learning Through the Arts® at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has also been a board member with the Toronto Arts Council, Downtown Yonge BIA, and the Toronto Alliance of the Performing Arts.

Ms. Smith will officially join Theatre Calgary on February 17, 2015. She succeeds Tom McCabe, who led Theatre Calgary in the role of President from 1997-2014.